Campsites near Babb, Montana occupy a high-elevation environment between 4,500-5,000 feet, situated at the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park. This location experiences strong winds throughout camping season with sudden weather shifts common from June through September. Water sources freeze regularly until mid-June with many campgrounds opening later than western park locations due to snow persistence.
What to do
Backcountry hiking to Cracker Lake: Located 7.2 miles from the Many Glacier Campground trailhead, this remote location offers seclusion. "Cracker Lake is amazingly turquoise blue and there are only 3 spots out there and it's insanely beautiful," notes a camper from Many Glacier Campground.
Wildlife viewing from campgrounds: Set up binoculars at your site to spot wildlife on surrounding slopes. "Wildlife galore from Grizzly bears to mountain goats and moose. Lots of campers bring high power binoculars to watch the Grizzly bears in the mountains," reports a visitor at Many Glacier.
Ranger programs: Available nightly during peak season with educational presentations. "The campground hosts have been super friendly and helpful, and there's even a ranger talk in the evening, which is a nice touch," explains a camper at St Mary Campground.
Swimming in area lakes: Several campgrounds provide lake access despite cold temperatures. "Available canoes and kayaks for rent. Water is cold but doable for swimming if you can get acclimated," notes a camper at Chewing Blackbones Campground.
What campers like
GTTS Road access without reservations: The east entrance provides easier access during reservation periods. "One of the biggest perks this summer is that you don't need a park entrance reservation to access the park from this entrance—unlike most of the other entrances, which are still under the reservation system," explains a camper at St Mary Campground.
Shower facilities: Limited but available at select campgrounds. "This campground is surprisingly well-equipped for a place with no hookups. There's a dump station and water fill-up right at the entrance, but I also spotted a few water spigots scattered throughout the campground itself. Bathrooms are clean and have sinks, and even better—there are showers!" reports a St Mary visitor.
Two Medicine area: Less crowded than other Glacier sections. "This location is also off the beaten path of Glacier Park and less crowded. It doesn't have the touristy feel which I appreciate," notes a visitor at Two Medicine Campground.
Riverside sites: Some campgrounds offer water-adjacent camping. "The river side campground that we stayed at was private and stunning! We would stay here again in a heartbeat," describes a camper at Divide Creek Campground.
What you should know
Limited shower availability: Facilities exist but with restricted capacity. "There are only 3 showers for 142 campsites. One of which has not hot water. So that's a bit of a mess," warns a St Mary Campground camper.
Significant bear activity: Bear safety protocols strictly enforced throughout region. "Nice campground. Busy even as it started to get cold. The sites are practically right on top of each other so it's important everyone around you is keeping it clean camp. There was grizzly Cat a few hundred feet away and it was big. They are there and not afraid of you," warns a visitor at St Mary.
Extreme winds: East side campgrounds experience stronger winds than western locations. "Very windy the few days we were here," reports a camper at St Mary.
Vehicle restrictions on certain roads: Size limitations affect access routes. "When we were on 89, there was a sign at the entrance to 49 saying that vehicles over 21 ft not advisable. We looked at google maps and decided that 49 between 89 and the campground did look pretty winding and decided to add the 15 miles to our trip," explains a Two Medicine visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Reserve sites 6+ months ahead: Family-friendly spots fill fastest, especially at Johnson's Campground. "We took a last minute trip to Glacier in early August. Arrived at Many Glacier about 8am. Confused about the reservation vs first come first served process. Apparently you must be waiting for a campsite at 5am to be part of the first come first served lotto," reports one visitor who nearly missed getting a site.
Choose Loop C at St Mary: This loop provides better amenities for families. "We're in Loop C, and it's pretty balanced—half the loop has nice, small pull-through sites with picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and some much-appreciated shade."
Bring sufficient water containers: Many campgrounds have limited water sources. "In the off-season, or at least when we were there, the water was turned off and only the vault toilets were available. If you're camping in that time of year, make sure to bring in your own water and firewood!"
Consider temperature fluctuations: Prepare for cold nights even in summer. "We camped in the tent meadows for one night. It was pretty busy and close together tent spots. Everyone was friendly."
Tips from RVers
Check specific site dimensions: Many campgrounds have varied site sizes despite general RV allowances. "Basically, if you're in an rv and flatness is important to you, I'd try and get a site along the edges. Those sites were flatter and wider than the sites in the center of the campground," advises a visitor at Two Medicine Campground.
Dump stations available but limited: Plan waste management accordingly. "Dump station and potable water fill at the entrance to the campground," notes a Two Medicine camper.
Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds have generator-free zones. "A loop is a NO generator loop," reports a St Mary visitor regarding specific quiet areas.
Park at visitor centers for GTTS access: RV length limits on Going-to-the-Sun road can be managed. "Added bonus: if you are camping with a travel trailer (and thus not able to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road because of length limitations), you are allowed to park your trailer in the the RV section of the St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot for the day, and drive in with your car alone."
